MISSISSAUGA, ON, Jan. 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Subaru Canada, Inc. (SCI) is proud to announce the North American reveal of the Impreza 5-Door Concept at the 2016 Montréal International Auto Show, taking place from January 15 to 24, 2016, at the Palais des congrès de Montréal.

The Impreza 5-Door Concept is a design concept car previewing the next-generation Impreza. This is the first of Subaru's next-generation strategic vehicles, an idea that was revealed in Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Mid-Term Management Vision Prominence 2020 announcement in May 2014, which introduces the new Subaru Global Platform. This platform will continue to build on Subaru's incredible safety that has earned TOP SAFETY PICK (TSP) awards from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and helped the Subaru Forester and Legacy become the longest-running TSP winners in their class.

While positioned as an entry model in the Subaru lineup, the Impreza 5-Door Concept is a compact vehicle that features bold expressions of Subaru's "Dynamic x Solid" design elements and a quality feel beyond its class. Rather than pursuing design for design's sake, the essence of this strategic vehicle is that it expresses a distinctive style that conveys the energy and meaningful form of the vehicle - hinting at the design direction of not only of the new Impreza, but of Subaru's future models as a whole.

"Subaru Canada has set its fourth consecutive annual sales record, retailing 46,609 units nationally," said Shiro Ohta, chairman, president and CEO of Subaru Canada, Inc. "We are witnessing exciting sales success and growth in Canada. This concept previewing the next-generation Impreza speaks to the design direction of the future Subaru portfolio, which will ensure continued momentum and growth in Canada."

Current Subaru Impreza production takes place at Subaru's plant in Gunma, Japan, but the future model will be built in North America at the massively expanded Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant. The facility in Lafayette, Indiana, is set to increase its manufacturing capabilities from 200,000 to 400,000 units later this year when Impreza production begins. Subaru of Indiana Automotive will still maintain its status as a zero-landfill facility as well as the only automobile plant in the USA designated as a National Wildlife Habitat.

Main Features of the Impreza 5-Door Concept

The front, sides, and rear are seamlessly joined in the "Dynamic x Solid" surface structure, creating a three-dimensional and solid body that is a feature of Subaru styling. The intriguing look is enhanced by well-placed character lines on the compact 5-door body style. The design expression of "Enjoyment and Peace of Mind," the value that Subaru provides to its customers, is fully pursued within the limits of the C-segment body size. In the area of functionality essential to a Subaru car, excellent aerodynamic performance is achieved while blending this functionality into the styling. The interior is highlighted by glossy-black accents offering a high-quality feel.

Front

A wide and low stance communicates a familiar, sporty impression in the unified three-dimensional structure that extends from the hexagonal grille to the hawk-eye headlights, all indicative of Subaru's identity. The front fascia plays the role of the starting point from which the front flows via the sides to the rear, with each part uniting into a solid form.

Sides

The strong character lines rise energetically toward the rear from the front fenders, through the door panels and rear shoulders, adding to the solid body appearance. The powerfully extended fender flares express the reliability of Subaru symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive.

Rear

The rear combination lights share the same motif as the headlights to express a wide and low stance. The tightened cabin silhouette enhances the sporty impression of the nimble 5-door style.

About Subaru Canada, Inc. Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of 90 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information, please visit www.subaru.ca or www.pr.subaru.ca or follow @Subaru_Canada on Twitter.